Vithalbhai Patel’s vision transformed representation into responsibility — proving that courage, conscience, and conviction are the true pillars of democracy,” said Hon’ble Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Shri Vijender Gupta, while paying a floral tribute to Late Shri Veer Vithalbhai Javerbhai Patel, the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly at the Delhi Legislative Assembly premises today. Hon’ble Deputy Speaker also paid floral tribute to Shri Vithalbhai Patel had passed
Vithalbhai Patel had passed
Gupta stated that Shri Vithalbhai Patel had passed away in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 October 1933, and that his mortal remians was brought back to India aboard the SS Narkunda, arriving in Bombay on 10 November 1933. Shri Gupta mentioned that although Shri Patel had expressed his wish to be cremated at Chowpatty Beach, the British authorities did not grant permission. Consequently, his final rites were performed at the Sonapur crematorium. Further ,Hon’ble Speaker observed that this poignant episode symbolised the enduring patriotism of a leader who, even in death, remained inseparably bound to the soul of his nation.
Offering the floral tribute
Hon’ble Speaker while offering the floral tribute, reflected on Vithalbhai Patel’s distinguished public life, describing him as one of the earliest architects of India’s parliamentary tradition. He noted that Patel’s journey from Mayor of the Bombay Municipal Corporation (1923–1925) to President of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925 represented India’s democratic awakening under colonial rule , a transition from municipal leadership to national statesmanship. Gupta observed that Vithalbhai Patel’s tenure as the first Indian to preside over the Central Legislative Assembly (1925–1930) transformed the office of the Speaker into a seat of integrity, independence, and constitutional dignity. Shri Patel’s insistence on fairness, procedural propriety, and legislative autonomy, he said, set the moral and institutional standards that continue to guide India’s parliamentary democracy.
Foresight and conviction
Hon’ble Speaker emphasised that Patel’s foresight and conviction turned legislative governance into a moral enterprise, where authority derived its legitimacy from reason and justice, not rank. He stated that Shri Patel’s leadership symbolised the transformation of India’s political spirit—from subordination to self-governance, from compliance to conscience.
Gupta remarked that the Delhi Legislative Assembly continues to draw inspiration from Shri Patel’s democratic ideals, which underline that a strong democracy is built upon debate, discipline, and duty. “To honour Vithalbhai Patel,”
Shri Gupta said, “is to honour the moral courage that gives meaning to parliamentary life — where service to the people stands above all personal or political considerations.”
Generations of lawmakers
Hon’ble Speaker concluded by affirming that Vithalbhai Patel’s leadership will continue to inspire generations of lawmakers, reminding them that the Speaker’s chair is not merely a position of power but a trust of the Constitution- one that must be upheld with impartiality, humility, and moral strength. He reiterated that the Delhi Legislative Assembly remains committed to preserving Patel’s legacy through civic education and heritage initiatives that celebrate the evolution of India’s parliamentary democracy.